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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Soloway Coffee

2275 N Lincoln Ave

Last inspected Jun 2, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass

Jun 2, 2026

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT BEING IMPROPERLY STORED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE ON A COOLING RACK. REVIEWED PROPER COOLING METHODS. MANAGER REMOVED AND MOVED TO A COOLER.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

ALL BULK FOODS NOT STORED IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT STORE THE ICE SCOOP ON THE TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE. MUST STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER OR INVERTED INSIDE THE ICE.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

ALL STORED ITEMS IN THE FRONT COFFEE PREP MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

RAW PRESSED WOOD UNDER THE KITCHEN OVEN MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED TO BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON ABSORBENT.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE REPLACED.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 2, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Mar 7, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD ITEMS AND BOXES OF OIL STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE UPSTAIRS DRY STORAGE AREA AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES AT TIME OF INSPECTION WEARING ANY EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS OR BEARD COVER FOR ONE EMPLOYEE WITH A LARGE BEARD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WORKING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR AND BEARD RESTRAINTS.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS STORED BENEATH UNPROTECTED/NOT SHIELDED WASTEWATER AND SEWER LINES IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA ALONG TWO WALLS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHIELDING OR MOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS AND STORAGE BINS FROM BELOW ANY UNPROTECTED SEWER AND WASTEWATER LINES.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 7, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 2, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD ITEMS AND BOXES OF OIL STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE UPSTAIRS DRY STORAGE AREA AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES AT TIME OF INSPECTION WEARING ANY EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS OR BEARD COVER FOR ONE EMPLOYEE WITH A LARGE BEARD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WORKING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR AND BEARD RESTRAINTS.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS STORED BENEATH UNPROTECTED/NOT SHIELDED WASTEWATER AND SEWER LINES IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA ALONG TWO WALLS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHIELDING OR MOVE ALL FOOD ITEMS AND STORAGE BINS FROM BELOW ANY UNPROTECTED SEWER AND WASTEWATER LINES.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 3 CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE EVERY CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MAINTAINS ALLERGEN TRAINING AND PROOF OF COMPLETION.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 2, 2025 · Original Source

License Re-Inspection

Jan 12, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE ON PLACE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY SUPPLIES EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

MISSING SPLASHGUARD IN BETWEEN HAND WASHING SINK AND FRONT PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE DRAIN BOARD ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO DRAIN AND AIR DRY UTENSILS.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE LOCATED AT FRONT COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTOR DEVICE. MUST B E LOCATED SO THAT CAN BE SERVICE AND MAINTAINED.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED UNUSED UPRIGHT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR COOLER OR REMOVED FROM PREMISES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 12, 2024 · Original Source

License

Jan 10, 2024

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE ON PLACE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY SUPPLIES EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PERMANENT SNEEZEGUARD PROVIDED AROUND THE FRONT COUNTER COFFEE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BARRIER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BY THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO QUATERNARY CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR THE QUATERNARY SANITIZER AT THE 30 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS TO MONITOR SANITIZING LEVELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO ITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE LOCATED AT FRONT COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTOR DEVICE. MUST B E LOCATED SO THAT CAN BE SERVICE AND MAINTAINED.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED UNUSED UPRIGHT 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR COOLER OR REMOVED FROM PREMISES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 10, 2024 · Original Source

License

Oct 26, 2023

Not Ready

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 26, 2023 · Original Source

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